Creating a reliable dog‑walking field on difficult terrain is never straightforward, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge contractors across the UK trust McVeigh Parker to support them with. Well known as the go‑to supplier for fencing systems and tools that perform in tough environments, McVeigh Parker is pleased to share another successful contractor’s job.

One recent example is Freedom Fields, a new dog‑walking site developed by the Mintcandour team in East Sussex, where ground conditions and long‑term durability were central to every design decision.

Located just eight metres above sea level and set on heavy clay, the site remains saturated for long periods throughout winter and spring. Constructing reliable boundaries in this type of terrain requires not only the right materials, but also a deep understanding of structural engineering in unstable ground.

With the soil offering little natural stability, the Mintcandour team chose the box-end straining assembly (H-brace). This design has been relied on for more than a century in the US, Australia, and New Zealand, where long wire runs and challenging terrain are the norm.

The H-brace remains the preferred choice for contractors because it uses basic physics. By placing a horizontal timber rail between two posts and running a counter-diagonal tension wire, the pulling force of the fence is transferred down into the ground, treating the entire box as a single, immovable block.

To ensure the installation would stand up to both the environment and the demands of a busy dog-walking business, the project used a combination of high-performance Xfence wire and DURA² long-life timber products.

With its unique properties, Xfence premium wire netting is possibly the best wire money can buy. Made from primary metals only, Xfence offers exceptional corrosion resistance, backed by a 30-year guarantee.

DURA² is the answer for those looking for a longer-lasting timber fence with an attractive appearance that’s guaranteed for 20 years. Safe for livestock and humans, it provides a creosote-like look without the smell or associated carcinogenic concerns.

Combined with UC4 redwood posts, the structure is designed to last.

Tools and techniques

To achieve consistent wire tension and alignment across the site, the team used 2.0 m Boundary Clamps and Hook Chain Strainers. These tools ensured the XFence wire was installed to specification, producing a tight, professional finish across the entire project. To enhance ground-level security, XFence XLHT6-50-5 wire was installed as a fence apron, preventing dogs from digging or pushing under the boundary.

Given the wetland conditions, Mintcandour also installed drainage around the car park to improve usability during the winter months. This groundwork supports both the fencing system and the long-term operation of the facility.

Freedom Fields demonstrates how the right combination of engineering, materials, and installation expertise can overcome even the most challenging ground conditions.

As more landowners look to develop secure dog-walking spaces across the UK, McVeigh Parker is proud to support contractors with products designed for long service life and dependable performance.

Please contact your local depot for more information.

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Materials used:

· XFence XLHT6-50-5 Predator Apron

· XFence XHT19-180-5 Security Fence

· DURA² stakes and strainers

· UC4 Redwood posts

· Fully Meshed Deer Gate 3660 mm

· Fully Meshed Deer Gate 1220 mm

Tools used:

· Midi Postmaster

· 2.0 m Boundary Clamp

· Hook Chain Strainer

· Hog Ring Pliers

· De Walt Brushless Fencing Stapler